Back to nature for factory site

THE former site of a derelict factory has been named as Salford's first official nature reserve. Blackleach Country Park at Walkden has been selected over four other sites city-wide to be the first to win the prestigious title.

THE former site of a derelict factory has been named as Salford's first official nature reserve.

Blackleach Country Park at Walkden has been selected over four other sites city-wide to be the first to win the prestigious title.

The accolade is being hailed as a victory for local conservationists who fought to establish the 100-acre park, used as a country park for nearly 10 years, and keep it safe from developers.

Annie Surtees, senior ranger at Blackleach, said: "What really pleases us is that the park was built on the site of the former Magenta Dye Works.

"When this closed, the area was heavily polluted and became derelict, but luckily there were enough people with vision to see it as the wildlife haven it has become. We couldn't be more delighted it has now been officially recognised."

Exploring

The project in Salford, funded by English Nature and the city council, will run over 21/2 years, when a total of five sites will be turned into reserves.

Blackleach was chosen as the first nature reserve over The Cliff, Clifton Country Park, Worsley Woods and Kersal Moor, which should be all be upgraded by the end of 2006.

Children from St Paul' s C of E School, Heathside Grove, Walkden, have been helping staff at Blackleach prepare to celebrate the new status. The pupils have spent two days exploring the park and writing poetry about their experiences, which will be displayed in the park tomorrow and on Saturday.

Salford Mayor Stan Witkowski, local councillors, volunteers and community members have been invited to hear a performance of their work and witness the official designation of the site.

Reserves are for both people and wildlife. They are places with wildlife or geographical features of special interest locally, which give people special opportunities to study and learn or simply enjoy and have contact with nature.

There are more than 1,000 reserves in England, covering a wide range of habitats. In total they cover 35,000 hectares, forming a huge natural resource which makes an important contribution to England's bio-diversity.